Iris Technology proposes a solar charging kit for the handheld Combat Survivor Evader Locator (CSEL) radio. This compact, lightweight kit allows isolated personnel, such as pilots who have been forced to eject from their aircraft, to simultaneously power their CSEL radio and recharge the batteries for the radio from a small, flexible, and foldable solar panel. Currently, pilots fly with only two rechargeable batteries for their CSEL radio and have a limited window after they eject to coordinate a rescue. The proposed capability provides an extended (potentially indefinite, depending on the weather conditions) window during which the isolated person is able to use the CSEL radio to coordinate a rescue.
